Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-05-15


hours had passed since Lagona had seated
her upon q small, messy knoll beneath
an orange tree, before he babe her rise
and led her to house in shape precisely
like the mansion at La BOlsa de Flores,
yet on much smaller scale. Its walls
were made of small poles and twisted
vines, interspersed with flowers and
sweet-scented bushes and shrubs. It was
csrpeted with orange and lemon leaves
and flowers, which with every pressure OF
the foot sent forth their perfumed breath.
The roof was tightly matched with the
broad, green leaves of the palmetto. M oss
and flower covered seats and lounges
were seen within, and in an inner alcove
a couch spread with soft, bright furs met
the eye.
"This is the home of the White
Flower" said Lsgona gently, as he led
her to a seat.
Pale and utterly despairing, hopeless
and almost broken-hearted, she sat down,
but made no reply.
He now brought her food-smsll fishes,
fresh from the mountain streams, and
broiled upon coals-fresh meat of the
antelope, delicate and tender-Venison,
bread and fruit. But her doWncast eyes
were not raised to the food or him-she
would touch nothing, look at nothing, do
nothing, but weep silently and sign pite-
ously.
The stern warrior himself looked 8
picture of WretChedness when he saw this,
for ne began to fear that death dould res
cue her from his hands whom he was de-
! termined that no mortal force could take.
| And he went out from the beautiful
building, which had been built expressly
for her, and for a long time paced
| thOughtfully to and fro between it and q
rushing little brook, all full of noisy
music, which ran within few yards
His warriors were busy pitching their
camp, and preparing for the coming of
their wives and little ones; but Lagona
paid no heed to their movements-his sun
would not shine upon him-his heart was
IN cloud.
CHAPTER LII.
The Gree Rangers" were encamped in
a small grove, about a half-hour's ride
from La Bolsa de Flores, Ada McAlpin
having received permission for them to
remain there in quiet, upon condition
that none of them left the camp, while
she went to Galveston to arrange some
business there.
To make them more obedient to this
condition, the Maj or had withheld their
arms and munitions, although they were
plentifully supplied with provisions, and
moderately with an article which such
as they cannot, or rather will not, do
without whisky.
Meantime all was excitement at the
plantation, for Major Mccullough had
sent messengers in every direction
to gather volunteers for grand exter-
minating foray into the Comanche and
Lipan country, he being determined not
only to rescue Stella, but to teach the
red maraudeTs lesson which would last
them for all time and make them more
DESTROYS to remain at home.
And from every quarter in they came,
some singing, others in parties of six,
the UnerTing rife, the dreaded six
shooter and the heavy bowie knife.
Men there were among those who had
fastened out in answer to ithe gallant
Majors call, who had the fire Of revenge
burning deep in their breasts-men who
had lost wives, children and other rela-
lives by the lance, arrow or knife of the
Red man, and who now hoped to have q
chance to take life for life-a poor salts
faction, yet one very natural.
As fast as these men came in, the Ma
jor put Them under drill, so far as he
could, and also sent his officers out after
g sufficient quantity of provisions and
pack mules to carry them for his party;
for he intended to go far, and not to re-
turn until his object had been entirely
accomplished.
Both Paul and Mr.. Delorme were fully
occupied as hosts, and the planter cared
not for the cost-he only counted upon
and hoped for the restoration of his
child.
It took a considerable time to get so
many men together and provision them,
and 1t was the evening of the tenth day
before the Major had gathereda sufficient |
force, in his mind, to invade the country |
of the enemy. At that time he had about |
$50 men, and to European general such
q force of would seem very inadequate to |
attack a nation which could assemble |
10000 or $4,000 mounted warriors at a |
very brief notice; but with that class of |
men, who think twenty to. one not an |
overmatch against them-as they have
often proved in Mexico, Texas, Cuba,
Nicarauga, and on the "Plains'-3O0 or |
400 men compose army enough for almost |
any purpose.
On the evening of the tenth day after |
his return the Major mustered his men, |
all mounted and under arms, to see if they |
were fully prepared for service, for he in |
tended to start on the next day..
They made an unique but powerful |
show, clad in every style of dress, armed |
variously, and mounted upon horses of all |
sizes and colors. But no matter what |
their garb was, you had but to look at !
their sinewy frames, rough faces and fear
less eyes to know that they were ready |
and fit for the work before them.
The inspection of the Major was close; |
every weapon, man and horse was exam |
ined, and if the least thing was wrong the |
delinquent was cautioned to rectify it. |
For those who were ready for the field |
the old soldier had kind and hearty |
word, which trebly endeared the old |
"war horse" IS they called him, to them. |
The inspection over, they were dis
with orders to be ready for the J
saddle when the sun rose in the morning,
and with permission to enjoy themselves |
as best. they might upon their last night
as, indeed, it might be, for many of them
in the settlements.
SIS everything ready now for start ="
asked Mr.. Delorme, as the Major stood |
upon the piazza, while the men fled of to |